Who We Are

I Need Help Now

KASA is the new name for the Kilkenny Rape Crisis Centre.

We offer free, professional and confidential Counselling and Support for survivors of sexual abuse, rape and sexual assault.

KASA provides a safe, non-judgmental and discreet space for women and men who have been sexually abused, sexually assaulted, raped or sexually harassed, at any time in their lives, to receive one to one Counselling and Support.

KASA also provides Support Counselling for non-abusing relatives or friends of survivors.

We have been helping and supporting survivors and their families in the process of healing and recovery for the last 25 years.  Counselling is free, one to one and completely confidential.

Contact our private Helpline now in complete confidence 1800 478 478

We hold Charitable Tax Exemption (Charity 11626) from the Revenue Commissioners and are registered with the Charities Regulatory Authority of Ireland (RCN 20032319).  KASA is signed up to the Governance Code.

Our History & Where we came from

KASA was founded in 1992 by a group concerned for the lack of services in the Kilkenny area for survivors of rape and sexual abuse. Following a high-profile case in the county, a silent protest and march was held by a group of local women outside the courthouse while the courts were sitting. Its purpose was to lobby local politicians and the S.E.H.B. for a Rape Crisis Centre. The nearest Rape Crisis Centre at that time was in Clonmel, Co Tipperary.

Following on from this a meeting was arranged to discuss the possible establishment of a Rape Crisis Centre for Carlow/Kilkenny with the S.E.H.B. Many premises were inspected and proved unsuitable or too expensive for its set up. The Health Board then offered a premises in Dean St. and although not totally suitable, it was the best alternative. Clonmel RCC then trained a group of voluntary counsellors for the Kilkenny RCC.

A fundraising committee called The Friends was established in 1993. Their great efforts, complemented by a grant from the S.E.H.B, ensured that the Centre would carry on.

From the outset, there was a great demand for the service, and it quickly became an established part of the offerings to the community. In the early years, the Centre only dealt with women but now offers counselling and support to both men and women.

In June 2001, the present Board finally achieved the means to purchase the building currently housing KASA. 

The organisation is governed by a board of directors, is managed day to day by their service manager and has a staff of counsellors and an administrator. From time to time there are volunteers working in the service. Our core funding is provided by Tusla and we are grateful to receive any donations from the public or private donors.

Testimonials

I thought sexual violence was only if you were raped, I didn’t understand that although I wasn’t raped, what happened to me was sexual assault and was not ok. It had a really negative impact on my life and caused a lot of problems for me. After my friend told me about KASA I agreed to contact them, and things changed for me after that. I am so thankful that services like yours exists in Co Kilkenny, it has made all the difference to me”
Louise
“Hello, my name is Ger. I went to my doctor Brendan lee. While I was with Dr Lee, I told him I was sexually abused. He gave me the phone number for the Kilkenny Rape Crisis Centre. I picked up the phone and called the number and it was the best thing I have ever done. The counsellors there are fantastic and listen to all my problems over a number of years. All men out there pick up the phone or tell somebody about your problems”
Ger
“Thank you to the service for everything. You helped me so much and in turn my family and friends are delighted I’m back living life again and coping. I know there will be good times and hard times but I’m not frightened anymore – I can cope, I’m so grateful to you all, thank you”
Anonymous
“It has taken me 28 years to reach out for help in accepting and dealing with my abuse. It was an amazing process, helped with the guidance, support and understanding of my counsellor there, and I will be eternally grateful”
Anonymous
“Being a man, I was in shock and denial for months after being raped. I hated the idea of having to go to counselling and acknowledge the reality of what happened to me, I felt so much shame and responsibility for it. Once I finally decided to engage and met my counsellor, having a weekly space to try and understand the layers of shame and the trauma it had caused me helped me so much in my healing. I’m so grateful I had the courage to make the call and find a way to heal”
Anonymous
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Contact our private Helpline now in complete confidence:

We hold Charitable Tax Exemption (Charity 11626) from the Revenue Commissioners and are
registered with the Charities Regulatory Authority of Ireland (RCN 20032319). KASA is signed up
to the Governance Code.

Registered Charity No. CHY11626 | Trading under Kasa/Kilkenny Rape Crisis Centre Ltd

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CONTACT NOW

Get in Touch

Confidential Helpline: 1800 478 478  Tel: 056 7751555

Opening Times: Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm

Address: 1 Golfview Terrace, Granges Road, Kilkenny, R95 X259

Email: info@kasa.ie Web: www.kasa.ie